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A government shutdown can cause SNAP benefits to be delayed or halted, affecting over 42 million Americans. While some states may use their own funds to continue providing benefits, the overall program’s funding is at risk, and a long-term shutdown could lead to missed payments, reduced benefits, and disruptions to the EBT card system. Applicants may also experience delays in receiving benefits until the shutdown ends.
How a government shutdown affects SNAP
- Delayed or missed benefits: A shutdown can disrupt the funding flow for SNAP, leading to delays or complete halts in benefit issuance.
- State-level variations: The impact can vary by state. Some states may be able to use their own funds to continue providing support, while others may be unable to.
- Disruptions to EBT cards: Stores may not be able to renew their EBT licenses, which could affect the ability to accept SNAP benefits.
- Delayed applications: New applications will still be accepted, but the processing and approval of benefits may be delayed until the shutdown is over.
- Impact on state offices: State-level SNAP offices may remain open, but some customer service functions could be affected.
What to do during a shutdown
- Apply for or renew benefits: If you are not already on the program, apply for SNAP. If you are a current recipient, renew your benefits as soon as possible.
- Stay informed: Check your state’s SNAP office for updates and information on your specific situation.
- Seek local resources: If you are in need, seek assistance from local food banks and community resources.
- Keep your EBT card: Continue to use your EBT card as you normally would, and check your balance on your last receipt or through online portals.
The government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, ended on November 12, 2025, when a funding bill was passed. As a result, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are resuming, though the exact timing and process vary by state.
Impact on SNAP
- Funding Resumed: The passage of the funding bill means that federal funding for SNAP has been restored, allowing benefit payments to resume.
- Delays: Due to the timing and confusion caused by the prolonged shutdown, there may still be some administrative delays in the issuance of benefits.
- November Benefits:
- Full Payments: States are now working to issue full November payments. If recipients did not receive any payment during the shutdown period, they should receive their full November payment soon, potentially in multiple installments.
- Partial Payments: Some states, acting on federal guidance at the time, issued partial benefits during the shutdown. Recipients who received a partial payment should receive the remainder of their November benefits, either later this month or with their December deposit.
- EBT Cards Still Work: Any unused SNAP benefits from previous months remained available and could still be used on EBT cards during the shutdown. EBT cards continue to work at all authorized retailers.
- New Applicants: Applications and renewals continued to be processed during the shutdown, though with potential delays. New applicants should still submit their information as soon as possible.
- State Variability: The specific timeline for receiving benefits depends on each state’s internal processing schedule and how quickly they can implement the new federal guidance.
Government Shutdown Ends: What you need to know about SNAP, …
The Arc of the United States
What Recipients Should Do
- Stay Informed: Recipients should check for updates from their state’s SNAP office through official channels like state websites (e.g., the Illinois Department of Human Services, the New York OTDA website), EBT mobile apps, or customer service helplines.
- Seek Local Resources: If in immediate need of food assistance, local food banks and pantries can provide support. Resources can be found by visiting local food bank websites or organizations like Hunger Free America.
- Continue to Comply: Recipients must continue to report required information and complete recertifications to ensure their case remains active and benefits can be issued without further delay once the system is fully operational.
This information is up-to-date as of the end of the government shutdown on November 12, 2025.
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